Industry Insider…. Essential Caravans
Rod Baker, National Sales Manager sits down for a yarn.
Rod has worked in the caravan industry for over 20 years joining Essential in 2015 when the first van rolled off the production line (The Cruiser F2 model, still a popular pick!) Since then business has boomed and Essential now operates out of a massive production facility in Somerton, Victoria under five acres of roofline.
We put Rod in the hot seat to answer some of your questions.
1. What would you say are your three most popular upgrades?
As a base standard specification, all Essential caravan models are packed with features and appliances that other brands consider extras (solar batteries, water filters, reverse cycle air conditioning, gas and electric hot water systems etc), so many of our customers don’t feel the need to order anything on top of what is standard. However, if I were to pick the most sought-after extras they would be:
Bike racks - to keep the kids off their phones and to keep us all fit and healthy.
Twelve-volt fans – for those sticky times when there isn’t any shore power available.
Electronic stability control – purely as a back-up safety feature.
“Over the years, we have developed an established and stable nationwide dealer network, and have forged a strong partnership with Wangaratta Caravans & Marine, who are second to none in professionalism and have customer satisfaction at heart.
Believe me, if anyone can look after you, Wangaratta Caravans & Marine can!”
2. Can you name your most in-demand models?
All of the models and layouts that we manufacture are popular so there would be too many to mention here. If I had to name the top four then these would be it in no particular order:
Van 1-1: 18’8 Single Axle – This model is great on weight, easy to maneuver and packed full of great features like its bigger siblings.
Van 5-2: 20’6 Tandem Axle – A van that oozes class and finish, it’s hard to beat the storage and bench space for a van of this size.
C-Class 8-1 Slide-Out: 21’10 Tandem Axle – You can’t overtake this Essential for luxury and style! It offers full CNC-cut solid ply furniture, an east/west slide-out Queen-sized bed with a huge 40 inch electrically-raised 12V TV at the foot of the bed, a massive, plush-upholstered club lounge at the front and a full en-suite at the rear.
Van Family F2-6: 21’10 Tandem Axle – A terrific option for families with loads of storage, either 2 or 3 bunks, full en-suite with linen cupboard and a front Queen-sized bed.
3. What’s new for Essential in 2023?
We have changed some construction styles and techniques for 2023, mainly the roof construction, having gone from a sectioned aluminium-clad roof to a one-piece fibre-glass sheet. The standard annexe light is now a bug-mode light to help keep away those annoying insects at night. Structural warranty on the van is now 5 years and we are currently working on some new layouts. Can’t give away secrets here!
To see the full range of Essential Caravans clink on this LINK